Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contravene differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contravene are contradict, deny, and gainsay. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When is it sensible to use contradict instead of contravene?

While in some cases nearly identical to contravene, contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

When can deny be used instead of contravene?

The words deny and contravene can be used in similar contexts, but deny implies a firm refusal to accept as true, to grant or concede, or to acknowledge the existence or claims of.

denied the charges

In what contexts can gainsay take the place of contravene?

The words gainsay and contravene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said.

no one can gainsay her claims

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contravene Villa contravened these restrictions last season, time and time again. Phil Hay, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 Turkey sees it as contravening the Montreux Convention and its own strategic interests. Galip Dalay, Time, 19 Aug. 2025 Furthermore, your administrative decision appears to contravene the standards of care promulgated by leading professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Pediatric Endocrine Society and the Society of Pediatric Psychology. Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 24 July 2025 Iran is the aggressor and continues to contravene the laws of war. Steven Katz, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for contravene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contravene
violate
Verb
  • In summer 2024, another complaint focused on the classified documents case, accusing the FBI of violating his privacy with the Mar-a-Lago raid and the DOJ of malicious prosecution.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The Kelly administration has refused to comply, contending that doing so would be a privacy breach that violates state and federal law because the USDA has indicated the data could be shared with outside groups.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contravene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contravene. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contravene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!